La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa is tailored for hopeless romantics (and artists seeking inspiration). With iconic views and personalized service, good luck trying to bid adieu.
Ah, Paris. The city where Hemingway sought inspiration, Kim and Kanye married, and Emily Cooper became a household name. Regardless of why you’re visiting, choosing where to stay can be a picky business, especially if you’re like me, hailing from a small town where the only hotels are the Motel 6 and the Red Roof Inn.
But considering Paris is one of the most visited cities in the entire world, it’s no surprise there are countless options for accommodation. So how do you pick just one?
Well, for me it was easy as pie.
I kid you not, I took one look at La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa online, and it was like I’d stumbled upon a haven my heart recognized. So come along with me as I explore this 19th century gem, the smallest hotel in Paris, and yet one that carries unmistakable grandeur. Trust me, it’s worth the splurge!
In the Pulse of Paris
La Réserve is tucked in the 8th arrondissement, or 8th district. And yes, I had to google the definition, because I only speak French in my dreams. Spoiler alert: The hotel is in the heart of the city, baby, smack dab where you want to be.
And if you’re seeking elegance and luxury, then you’re in luck. Only a ten-minute walk from the hotel is Champs-Elysees, a world-famous boulevard that gives Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue a run for its money. Literally! Shop at high-end boutiques and taste fine dining. As they say, don’t come to Paris with no Monet!
The hotel is so perfectly located, you can simply go down the walkway along the Seine River to the famous Love Lock Bridge, where couples link padlocks on the railing (and so many Hollywood rom-coms had been filmed).
Of course, you can’t enter the heart of Paris without visiting its most iconic landmark. The Eiffel Tower is just a half-hour walk from La Réserve, although panoramic views are offered from many of its suites. But what if your toes are sore from all that walking? Then ask your concierge for access to your very own courtesy car. Yep. That’s fancy with a capital F.
Bedside Bliss and Suite Seduction
Now what about the actual lodging?
When I travel, I’m all about diving headfirst into the adventure. I don my explorer’s hat, soak up the culture and connect with new people. So usually my hotel is just a place to rest and rinse off. But then came this trip, where I suddenly found myself unwilling to leave my room.
As someone who lives in a one-bedroom studio the size of a closet, I yearned for some extra space on my vacation. La Réserve has rooms ranging from a generous 430 square feet to a whopping 2370. History buffs may drool over the antique furnishings, but my floor-to-ceiling window did it for me. Each room offers something unique, whether it’s access to charming courtyards or unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.
Here’s the kicker: No detail is forgotten. From personalized linens to in-room workout gear to a complimentary mini-bar, there’s something for everyone. And don’t get me started on the swanky marble bathrooms. But wait! We’re not done yet. A private butler is assigned to EVERY room. Craving your favorite meal? Done. Need help packing? Yep. Looking to unwind with a beloved novel? You’ve got it.
The Morning After
You’re not going to find week-old coffee and stale bagels here. Breakfast at La Pagode de Cos, one of La Réserve’s restaurants, is a gastronomic experience. With a menu crafted by top local chefs and inspired by French culinary traditions, prepare for an explosion of your taste buds.
If you’re still seeking a morning haven to unwind in, look no further than the Duc de Morny Library. Available for guests only until noon (and open to the public afterwards), the library is a warm, cozy space where you can lose yourself in a story, sip some tea, or just embrace an atmosphere of elegant sophistication.
Geared for a Glow Up
‘Spa’ is in the name for a reason. Even though La Réserve has an intimate, boutique feel, it doesn’t skip on amenities. Channel your inner Michael Phelps in the 52-foot indoor pool, train like Schwarzenneger with your very own personal trainer at the gym, or erase a few wrinkles like Ms. K in the luxury spa. With this kind of self-love, your friends won’t even recognize you when you reluctantly return home.
An Evening In
After a day of exploring, I always get a little hangry, so dinner is first on my list when I arrive back at my hotel. I’ll confess: I’m an unapologetic foodie, yet my relationship with all things meals is tinged with a pint of pickiness – and perhaps a slight fear of stepping out of my culinary comfort zone.
There are only a select few restaurants where I’ll taste-test more than one item on the menu. Le Gabriel, La Réserve’s Michelin-starred gem, is undoubtedly one of them. During my week-long stay, I took the plunge and tried it all. Every dish offered a delicious masterpiece of flavors that was (honestly!) an existential transcendence. It forced me to question my life long self-induced picky status. I mean, who knew I’d melt for salmon?
How do you say ‘I love you’ in French?
So, yeah, as you can tell, I’m head over (French) heels. I came to Paris to explore, and instead I discovered it was possible to fall in love with a hotel as much as a city. I can only describe it as a cultural crossroads where Parisian charm meets American hospitality.
And sure, the level of luxury and privacy may be geared for literal Queens, but even regular folks like me walked away feeling like royalty. La Réserve – Je t’aime.
Paris – I hope our paths croissant again.
— By Megan MacGregor
Megan a travel writer and hotel reviewer whose work has been published by numerous outlets, including: 'Be My Travel Muse' and 'Extreme Nomads'. She's also the author of 13 novels.